This week we have done 3 things so far:

1) Formed 'literature circles' groups. Each group will be reading one of four books:
> The Hobbit
> Tom Sawyer
> Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
> Summer of My German Soldier

2) Written letters to 10th grade students in response to their letters of introduction. In these letters we introduced ourselves, asked about life in high school, and requested a response. We will type up final drafts tomorrow in the library.

3) Started planning for our 'choice writing' projects. We will write nonfiction essays about the topic of our choice. These essays will put together into a small booklet for the whole class to enjoy.

These three activities will continue on an ongoing basis and will take up most of our class time for the rest of the year. Homework will be assigned on an as-needed basis.